Wednesday, January 09, 2008

UPS AND DOWNS

Today was not a great day for me. I'm trying to wean myself from a sleeping aid which was prescribed last May. I had not had a sleep pattern for so many years. This was contributing to my fatigue with the RA. (rheumatoid arthritis) It was wonderful for a few months, partaking in 6-8 hours of deep, rejuvenating sleep each night. The last couple of months, I've been waking up often and no longer feel that the prescription is helping me all that much. Hence, I decided to cut my use of it gradually and see what happens. Due to not taking it last night, I was awake most of the night. I finally drifted off to sleep around 5 a.m. this morning. I slept until 9:30. I got up and set right into doing my daily routine, feeling a little "blah". My blood sugar was a little elevated but I knew walking would bring it down. We went back to our routine of driving to the nearby district park. I walked my first lap (One and a half miles), then begrudgingly headed into my 2nd lap. By the time I returned to Agustin and Shane on the tennis courts, I was barely able to take another step. I thought hubby was going to have to scrape this big girl up from the ground. I felt so weak! I did make it up into our SUV and felt so sleepy, nauseous and weak. we drove the 5 minutes home where I managed to get out of the vehicle and was shaking all over. I immediately tested my blood sugar. I had dropped down 76 points within that hour. Does anyone know if that is normal? I didn't FEEL normal! (Jackie-I can hear your comment already!) I grabbed a peanut butter ball from the fridge and a shot of Orange juice. In a few minutes, I was able to mix up some tuna for our lunch. After a shower and a Bible lesson with Shane, I put on my gown and went to bed. I was totally wiped out. I feel as though I've lost an entire day, which is bumming me out. I have really been on a productive roll lately!

I'm up now, obviously, and have checked Shane's math and spelling and handwriting. We missed church because of my yucky day. I feel very tired and sleepy but need to sleep tonight so I'm fighting to stay awake.


I'm off to check my blood again, then cook up some supper. Sorry if this is a boring post! I just felt the need to share it.

7 comments:

Lori said...

So sorry to hear you aren't feeling well.
That is tough to not get very good sleep.
I've gone through that a couple times and that is so hard. It's hard to be tired all the time.

I hope and pray that you will find something that will work for you again so that you can get good sleep. What else could you try...hot bath, reading, reading bible, praying, excercising (like you have been), any other medicine??

Take Care of yourself.

So good to hear from you. I haven't been blogging much (posting nor commenting).
I hope to post again for show and tell on Friday. Come back if you get a chance.

AmberTheBlog.com said...

have you tried Melatonin? I like the sublingual losenges. 3mg is the usual recommended dose. they go under the tongue and for me they work like a dream. especially if I am stressed and finding it hard to shut down or if my CEBV is flaring up and I have body aches. When you are feeling better we need to have a girls fun day; catching up on everything over the past month. Love ya! OOps I just realized I'm posting on Amber's account......this is KIM

Anonymous said...

That is normal.

#1 what did you have for breakfast?
Probably not enough to sustain a workout (ie walking)

# 2---EAT PROTEIN, not sugar!!The sugar raises it quickly, but in about 30-60 minutes you hit rock bottom AGAIN!! The protein and carg (cheese and a whole grain cracker or tuna and cracker or boiled egg) will sustain the glucose levels. You have to balance the carbs and protein to level the levels......
Peanut butter and whole grain toast or cracker are a good choice also.

One more thing!! You need the same routine daily AND You need to partake of some carb and protein at bedtime (glass of milk, cheese or the like---even graham crackers and milk)...

Call if you need to question me!!

Love n hugs!

The exercise is the BEST and reducing the Blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

~~Deby said...

Pam,
I am severly hypoglycemic..during the 5 hour fast test...2nd hour I went down to 29....yes...so...I ALWAYS..ALWAYS...carry string cheese with me....I can almost feel like I am passing out...can't feel in reality..go easy on yourself friend..you are going off a med....I take Rozerem at night..have you tried that..write me...if we need to discuss this..you know about me and my fibro etc...and up and down all night..I know how it feels to feel like a day was wasted..but NOT so..not so..your body and mind were healing..
with love to you,
Deby

Teresa Maynard said...

Oh my goodness, what a day. I don't know a whole lot about the sugar rise and fall but I know we have a fourth grader who is diabetic and we have to watch not to let his levels fall below 80. He carries peanut butter crackers and a small Coke with him at all times. I often wonder at our age if the no sleep thing is built in. I know you've always had trouble sleeping but I never have. Well, I do now and I attribute it to my age. Don't really know what to do about it. Thanks for visiting me--love you bunches!!

Jackie said...

Sorry you had a bad day...they stink don't they?

Rebecca said...

I'd have to agree with Pat (commentor 3). I'm glad you're feeling better today.